11 Must-Try Italian Chains In The US, Along With 6 Hidden Gems Taking Pasta To The Next Level
Italian food in the US is a delicious world all its own — from the familiar comfort of big-name chains to the surprising magic bubbling up in smaller, lesser-known spots.
While you might have your go-to pizza and pasta favorites, there’s a whole side of Italian dining that’s quietly pushing boundaries and reinventing classics.
Whether it’s a chain you never knew deserved your loyalty or a hidden gem that’s elevating every noodle, these places prove that Italian flavor can surprise and delight at every turn.
1. Fazoli’s Fast-Casual Comfort
Speed meets Italian flair at this quick-service chain where fresh breadsticks flow like water! Founded in 1988, Fazoli’s pioneered the concept of fast-casual Italian, bringing pasta to the drive-thru crowd.
Their signature unlimited breadsticks have developed a cult following among carb enthusiasts nationwide.
The menu balances affordability with surprisingly authentic flavors, making Italian accessible for everyday dining.
2. The Old Spaghetti Factory’s Vintage Charm
Stepping into The Old Spaghetti Factory feels like time-traveling to a Victorian-era dining car. Antique trolleys, stained glass, and brass headboards create an atmosphere unlike any other chain restaurant.
Since 1969, they’ve been serving complete three-course meals at reasonable prices.
Their mizithra cheese and browned butter pasta remains the standout dish that keeps generations of families returning for nostalgic dinners.
3. Olive Garden’s Endless Hospitality
When you’re here, you’re family – or so the famous slogan goes! This mainstream Italian-American chain has mastered the art of abundant dining with its unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks.
Founded in Orlando in 1982, Olive Garden now boasts over 800 locations nationwide.
Their Tour of Italy sampler satisfies indecisive diners, while the chicken alfredo remains their best-selling entrée, selling over 90 million portions annually.
4. Brio Italian Grille’s Upscale Experience
Marble columns and white tablecloths set the stage at this Tuscan-inspired dining destination.
Brio elevates chain dining with its sophisticated atmosphere and northern Italian cuisine that doesn’t skimp on portions. Their wood-grilled steaks and chops rival standalone steakhouses.
The lobster bisque with sherry and fresh cream has developed a devoted following among regulars who appreciate the restaurant’s balance of upscale ambiance without pretentiousness.
5. Carrabba’s Wood-Fired Wonders
Founded by Sicilian-American cousins in Texas, Carrabba’s brings family recipes to the masses with theatrical open kitchens.
Watch as chefs toss flames on the wood-fire grill, preparing signature dishes like Chicken Bryan topped with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
Their hand-prepared sauces and dressings set them apart from competitors.
The complimentary herb-infused olive oil with fresh bread starts meals on a high note that the rest of the menu consistently maintains.
6. Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s Interactive Dining
Paper-covered tables and crayons invite guests to unleash their inner artist while waiting for authentic Italian fare.
Founded in 1988, Romano’s pioneered interactive dining experiences before they were trendy. Their tableside opera singers once serenaded diners on special occasions.
The restaurant’s commitment to scratch cooking shines in their Mama’s Ricotta Meatballs, made fresh daily according to a recipe passed down through generations of the founder’s family.
7. Bertucci’s Brick Oven Specialties
Massive brick ovens dominate Bertucci’s open kitchens, reaching temperatures over 600 degrees to create perfectly charred pizzas.
Founded in Massachusetts in 1981, this Northeast chain built its reputation on those distinctive ovens imported from Italy.
Fresh rolls baked throughout the day emerge hot from those same ovens.
Their signature Nolio pizza – featuring roasted chicken, spinach, and asiago cheese – demonstrates how Bertucci’s elevates simple ingredients through traditional cooking methods.
8. Buca di Beppo’s Family-Style Feasting
Walking through Buca’s kitchen entrance sets the tone for this quirky chain where portions could feed a small village!
The walls burst with thousands of vintage photographs and kitsch Italian memorabilia creating sensory overload in the best possible way.
Their Pope Table – a large round table with a bust of the Pope as centerpiece – remains the most requested seating.
Family-style platters encourage sharing, with the half-pound meatballs becoming Instagram stars before food photography was even popular.
9. Maggiano’s Little Italy’s Generous Portions
Red checkered tablecloths and Frank Sinatra tunes create the backdrop for Maggiano’s nostalgic take on Italian-American classics.
Their famous “Today & Tomorrow” deal sends diners home with a second pasta dish for tomorrow’s lunch.
Founded in Chicago in 1991, Maggiano’s channels old-school Italian supper clubs with multi-course family-style dining.
Their made-from-scratch lasagna features ten layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce that would make any nonna proud.
10. Il Fornaio’s Authentic Regional Cuisine
Monthly rotating menus spotlight different Italian regions at this upscale chain that began as a bakery in 1972. Il Fornaio stands out by employing Italian-born chefs who bring homeland techniques to American diners.
Their Festa Regionale program educates guests about lesser-known Italian specialties beyond spaghetti and pizza.
Fresh-baked breads emerge from stone hearth ovens throughout the day, filling the restaurant with irresistible aromas that transport diners straight to an Italian village.
11. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s Coal-Fired Perfection
Coal-fired ovens heated to 1,200 degrees are the secret behind Grimaldi’s impossibly crisp yet chewy pizza crusts.
Originally from Brooklyn under the Brooklyn Bridge, this chain expanded nationwide while maintaining fanatical attention to water quality.
They actually install water treatment systems in each location to replicate Brooklyn water!
Fresh mozzarella made daily and San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy create pizzas that consistently rank among America’s best chain offerings.
12. Stella’s Modern Italian Innovation
Tucked away in Kenwood, California, Stella breaks chain restaurant stereotypes with seasonal menus highlighting local wine country ingredients.
Their open kitchen showcases chefs crafting hand-rolled pasta daily. Founded by a former Chez Panisse chef, Stella blends Italian tradition with California innovation.
The wild mushroom risotto changes with mushroom seasons, while their wood-fired pizzas feature unexpected toppings like Brussels sprouts with pancetta and balsamic reduction.
13. Speck’s Artisanal Approach
Columbus, Ohio’s hidden gem serves house-cured meats that would impress even the pickiest Italian grandmother.
Named after the northern Italian smoked prosciutto, Speck built its reputation on charcuterie boards featuring meats aged in their basement facilities.
Their pasta carbonara breaks tradition by using those house-cured meats instead of standard pancetta.
Small-batch production limits their footprint to just three Ohio locations, but their commitment to craftsmanship has earned national attention from food critics.
14. Macchialina’s Miami Beach Magic
Miami meets Milan at this South Beach hotspot where pasta is king. Chef Michael Pirolo transforms humble wheat and water into transcendent dishes like short rib lasagna that regularly sells out by 8pm.
Thursday’s Pasta Night special – where all handmade pastas cost just $10 – creates lines down the block.
Unlike typical chain aesthetics, Macchialina embraces rustic minimalism with exposed brick and reclaimed wood, letting the vibrant food take center stage against South Beach’s neon backdrop.
15. Pazzo Pastaria’s Texan-Italian Fusion
San Antonio’s beloved pasta chain infuses Texan flavors into traditional Italian recipes with surprising success.
Their jalapeño pesto linguine with smoked brisket has developed a cult following among locals seeking comfort food with a kick.
Founded by a Texas-born chef with Sicilian grandparents, Pazzo bridges culinary worlds.
The restaurant’s name – meaning “crazy” in Italian – reflects their adventurous approach to fusion cuisine, while their fresh pasta made daily in full view of diners maintains authentic Italian craftsmanship.
16. Misipasta’s Handcrafted Excellence
Brooklyn’s artisanal pasta shop-turned-restaurant chain began as a pandemic pivot when chef Missy Robbins started selling handmade pasta kits.
Now expanded to multiple locations, Misipasta maintains the intimate feel of a neighborhood shop despite growing popularity.
Their signature pink peppercorn pasta with ricotta has appeared on countless Instagram feeds.
Unlike conventional chains, Misipasta changes their menu daily based on available ingredients, creating a rotating experience that keeps pasta enthusiasts coming back weekly.
17. Pasta Paradiso’s Vegan Revolution
Plant-based Italian food reaches new heights at this Brooklyn chain that proves dairy-free pasta can be decadently satisfying.
Their cashew-based “ricotta” fools even dedicated cheese lovers, while vegetable-infused pasta doughs create naturally colorful plates.
Founded by a third-generation Italian-American who adopted veganism, Pasta Paradiso honors family recipes through innovative substitutions.
Their mushroom “bolognese” simmers for six hours, developing deep flavors that rival traditional meat sauces without animal products.